How SPED Empowered Me
To have a special child is no joke! Some says it’s a cursed, a shame, a disgrace, above all a burden to the whole family.
During his early age, irregularity on his developmental arena has been observed, yet denial won through because he was still very young and there was still enough time for him to pull through or to make progress.
A year, and another year after at a snail’s pace, the truth of his disability was confirmed. It cannot be denied anymore. A mixed feelings went through. Different feelings. There was pain, fear and apprehension, panic and a blame to circumstances.
Tears overflowed, sleepless nights were experienced, and a question to oneself, “Why me Lord? Why my son?”. The word acceptance was very difficult to understand. To appreciate was already far from imagination. Everything seemed doomsday.
One day, I was called to attend a training on Special Education in Manila, Philippines. At first I was hesitant to join leaving my son behind but still I went through. I was enlightened. I became interested in it. I asked what this is all about? What am I here for?
Little by little, my questions were answered. At last I found my group! A group where everybody understands me, helps me during my moments of downs or doubts and boost my morale as mother of a special child. There, I realized I am not alone in this world. And I found that my child is not a curse nor a shame, not a disgrace nor a burden , but rather a God’s gift to me, wherein God knows that I am the most qualified person to handle this very special child.
Special Ed changed my lifestyle, my outlook in life. From gregarious individual to a straightforward person. I am now very proud of my son LUIGI MIGUEL, a child with a cerebral palsy. I’m even proud of myself that despite being a parent of a special child, I am more privileged than the others. My stress tolerance, patience, staying power, and perseverance towards life and tribulations were elevated far above the ground.
Moreover, I also realized that HAPPINESS OF HAVING A SPECIAL CHILD IS JUST A MATTER OF ACCEPATNCE. Acceptance to what is lacking and providing only what is considered necessary. It means getting involve in activities of Special Education but not limited to other organizations and programs that believe in my capacity. It does not only strengthen me as person but it helps me in parenting my son, reinforcing my knowledge to other children with special needs and other parents like me.
Kudos to my DepEd family in the Philippines and the Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) headed by Randall Weisser and the late Mercedes H. Cano for pushing me to join the Special Ed Program. I will never forget you guys!
August 9th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
This blog is very nice, I felt so emotional when I read it, Girlie, its true, its a matter of acceptance, everything that God is given to you is not burden it is love because God will never give you crosses that you cannot carry, cross will help you pursue life in a very straight and beautiful manner, carry it with poise Girl, you are truly a model of all Special Child mothers..Kudos to you mama…
PS, can I link this article to our website, this is what I am looking for life’s testimony by a tagumeño. Ok ba
August 11th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Thanks for the comment, at least naa diay dating! Hope it will serve as an eye opener to those parents like me who are still hiding there special children inside the closet… I’ll be very glad if you can link this to the city’s website. You just don’t how happy I am with your offer. God bless!!!
August 19th, 2007 at 12:39 am
i know this is long overdue but it is always better late than never… i just want to say KUDOS to you and to moms/dads like you who accept your special kid with love. I pray that more parents with differently abled children would learn to also love and accept their kids and would help them to reach their full potential instead of hiding them… There are a lot of differently abled persons whose contributions has left a mark in our modern world (Temple Grandin, Stephen Hawking,Hellen Keller,Christy Brown to name a few) but they were only able to leave a mark just because they had parents who believed in them and nourished them and was never ashamed of them.
I pray that God will continue to give you wisdom and strength to continue with your life’s journey with your son and the new addition to your family. I also pray that God will send you angels to provide encouragement and support when your journey with your son becomes daunting at times. My prayers are with you and your family always.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Good for you, I am so happy that you found happiness with your situation. You are a very special person being able to handle all of the trials and tribulations pushed your way…..stay strong amd remember that to your son YOU ARE THE WORLD!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 11:49 am
When I viewed all the pics and read ur story about Luigi truly i cried and appreciate you being a very brave and supportive mom. May God bless you always and thanks.
June 26th, 2009 at 11:38 am
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